IN the event of severe snow, travellers who became stranded in Okehampton could make use of sleeping bags and roll mats ? stored in Barnstaple. The Devon County Council Severe Snow Survivor Centre makes provision for emergency arrangements to cope with a large number of people becoming stuck in the town, but town councillors questioned one aspect of the plan. The plan as it affects Okehampton was scrutinised by members of Okehampton town council?s policy and resources committee last Monday night (March 13). The plan states a stock of 1,000 survival foil blankets would be held in Okehampton College for use in a survivor centre. A further stock of approximately 200 sleeping bags and roll mats is to be held at The Park Community School, Barnstaple which the plan says could be used in the Okehampton survivor centre. Members discussing the plan questioned the practicality of storing additional sleeping bags and mats in Barnstaple and also wondered why no mention of the Dartmoor Rescue Group was made in the plan, feeling their skills and facilities could be used in an emergency situation. The report compiled by Devon County Council identified Okehampton as one of the key locations in the county which was particularly vulnerable in the event of severe snow. The plan aims to produce a strategy for providing shelter for travellers caught in severe snow on the A30 at Okehampton. The emergency arrangements in place to assist the police in such a situation would involve using Okehampton College as a temporary shelter. The college?s kitchen would be used under the kitchen manager, to provide emergency feeding. The WRVS would assist the kitchen manager. The survivor centre would be managed by the police who would be assisted by local resident social services staff and other community helpers. The report lists a number of resources which could be accessed in an emergency, including: l A stock of 1,000 survival foil blankets held at Okehampton College l A further stock of approximately 200 sleeping bags and roll mats held at The Park Community School, Barnstaple l The two social services establishments in the vicinity, Wardhayes Home and the Leaze Day Centre could also play a role. Staff and resources from the centres might be used, with regard to their normal working duties, with the agreement of the social services emergency manager l Further emergency stores are available from the emergency stores located at Okehampton Depot, at Brayhams Depot, Okehampton. A full copy of Devon County Council?s Severe Snow Survivor Centre Plan is available in the town council offices for anyone who wishes to read the whole document.
